Bears latest surprising 2024 prediction: will Chicago earn a playoff berth?

There's a lot to be excited about surrounding the 2024 Chicago Bears. But are they ready to compete for a postseason spot?

After a 7-10 season, in which the Bears tied with the Minnesota Vikings at the bottom of the NFC North, Chicago is rejuvenated with number-one overall pick Caleb Williams under center.

The Bears have stockpiled talent on both sides of the ball by picking near the top of the draft several years in a row. They are undoubtedly improved, but in a talented NFC, which includes two playoff teams in their own division, the Bears will have to mature quickly to keep up.

The 2024 Bears have at least one believer in Diante Lee of The Ringer Football Show, who posted his prediction from the show that the Bears will make the playoffs in a tweet that read: "Planting the flag today, Chicago will be The Team Nobody Wants To Play by Thanksgiving."

"I have them getting in as the sixth seed in the NFC," Lee said. "It's really banking on the defense just as much as it is getting excited about Caleb Williams."

The excitement about Williams is widespread, as it often is when a highly-touted rookie quarterback comes into the league. But the defense, which improved as the 2023 season progressed, could be an equally big part of the Bears' story.

One position group to watch will be the cornerbacks, led by ascending young stars Jaylon Johnson and Tyrique Stevenson. Both hauled in four interceptions last season while breaking up a combined 26 passes.

"That corner group has a chance to be one of the stories of the season," said Sheil Kapadia, Lee's cohost. "They're really young, ascending players where we could be saying, 'Man, these corners are locking people down.'"

If everything comes together, the Bears will be one of the NFL's most entertaining teams to watch. And, as Lee, prognosticates, there's always a chance that a young team like Chicago can upset their more experienced counterparts and make it to the dance in 2024.

More NFL: Packers could reunite with former superstar in proposed blockbuster